Declaration – 27 Jumada al-Thani 1438 (2017-03-26)

Declaration by His Holiness Haj Dr. Nour Ali Tabandeh, Majzoub Ali Shah
on the Occasion of Nowruz

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Every year, I had the intention of delivering a message and greeting on the occasion of Nowruz and the beginning of the new year. However, this year, due to illness, I was unable to fulfill this task—which I had assigned to myself—in time. Thus, today I am making up for it, and in addition, I am issuing this message to coincide with the traditional observance of “Sizdah Be-dar” (Nature’s Day, Thirteen Outdoor), which is, in practice, the formal conclusion of the Nowruz celebrations. Therefore, the declaration I now offer addresses both occasions.

Praise be to God, I am currently in very good health, and apart from ordinary ailments due to age, I have no other illness, and the Nowruz holidays have passed well and in good health so far. However, there are some meaningless rumors and reports being spread that trouble me. I ask the “fuqara”, and in fact everyone, not to believe anything attributed to me unless they are certain it truly comes from me. This is because certain groups are attempting to portray me as political and to suggest that “Dervishhood” is a political matter, and that I myself am a political figure. But by now, it is clear to them that this is not the case. We are, by nature, spiritual in orientation. In fact, some, in their writings and remarks abroad, have even referred to us as the “Gandhi of Iran.” We have always existed in this state and have never had a political aspect, nor do we accept such matters in “Mysticism”. Therefore, I ask the “fuqara” to refrain entirely from engaging in political matters. Fortunately, the “fuqara” are, to a large extent, aware of this issue. An important point here is that when others label our conduct and approach as political, our enemies eagerly embrace this assumption. Yet today they have come to realize that it is not true. Of course, it is natural that members of different political groups might also be “Dervishes”, but their being “Dervishes” does not mean they are political. During Nowruz, dignitaries from various political backgrounds came to visit and offer greetings, and I also returned their greetings—but such meetings had nothing to do with politics. Fundamentally, from a belief standpoint, since we follow the path and school of “Mysticism”—which has always had opponents, even from ancient times—there are still those who oppose it and try to eliminate it, as they believe it is inappropriate. Their opposition is not personal to me or our path; it is to the belief system and this manner of religiosity. There has never been any talk of an attempt on my life or of assassination. Praise be to God, I have previously traveled freely and continue to do so, and have so far spent Nowruz in peace and success. I had heard from my late father, Hazrat Saleh Ali Shah, that at the beginning of his leadership—coinciding with the final days of the Qajar era and its turmoil—he constantly faced threats of assassination. Before him, the late Hazrat Nour Ali Shah also faced such issues, but not because someone intended physical harm; rather, it was because opponents were against the belief itself. Those same kinds of opponents still exist today. So, if someone has mentioned threats of assassination against me, they are speaking baselessly. Everyone should know that if there is any threat, it is one of ideological assassination. Praise be to God, the door of my home is always open, and those who wish to visit come and go. No one has ever complained of insecurity. If, in order to intensify their arguments, some misuse the term “elimination” or wrongly use the term “house arrest,” I must clarify that I have never used the term “house arrest.” In none of my speeches, books, or writings—available for reference—have I said such a thing. Even now, as I speak regularly and clearly at specified times, I do not use such terminology. I am always thankful to the security forces for maintaining full security and currently have good relations with them. Even if there was a brief misunderstanding in the past, it was soon resolved. Therefore, we did not even expect the Minister of Intelligence to say a single word in opposition to “Mysticism”. Of course, we do not say that you must become followers of “Mysticism”, but we do say that all of us Iranians are one. We look upon all people—and all Iranians—with compassion and brotherhood. Hence, there should be no reason for division. Especially in this period when our state and government officials are also religious individuals and, for example, began Nowruz with religious ceremonies. From the government's perspective, too, there is no objection to holding spiritual ceremonies, since they know it is a religious matter. For this, we are grateful and hopeful that—just as we seek advancement in all areas—progress will also be made in this matter, so that everyone’s security continues to be well maintained.

In conclusion, I ask all of you, my believing brothers and sisters, not to repeat or spread things you do not know. Even what you do know—if it is incorrect—should not be said or repeated, because it may be attributed to you. God willing, may you all begin the new year successfully and remain in good health.